Two Local Young Men Pass the Bar Exam

Two Jackson County natives, who once sat in rival high school classrooms, now share a bond forged through years of friendship, study, and perseverance.

Jonah Mercer, a 2019 graduate of Marianna High School, and Jackson Milsapp, a 2019 graduate of Sneads High School, both charted their early academic paths at Florida State University, where they each earned a B.S. degree in 2022. Ironically, their journeys converged again at Faulkner University’s School of Law, where the two not only pursued their legal education but also lived as roommates throughout their time there.

Jonah Mercer: Guided by Purpose and Faith

For Mercer, the law was more than a career choice, it was a calling.

“I wanted to defend those in need in some of the worst, lowest moments of their lives,” he said. “Everyone deserves to have someone in their corner fighting for them.”

While his childhood dreams once included being a garbage truck driver, Mercer’s focus sharpened toward the courtroom. His immediate goal is to build a career in criminal law, with plans to expand into estate planning and property law as his practice grows. In the next decade, he hopes to establish a private firm that reflects both his passion for justice and his commitment to clients.

Through the toughest stretches, final exams and the pressure of the bar exam, Mercer leaned on his faith. “I felt confident in God’s plan for me. I still feel like He pointed me in this direction to do something with my life.”

Mercer credits his family and fiancée for being the foundation that keeps him moving forward: his parents Wade and Olivia Mercer, his siblings Becca, Noah, and Josh, and his fiancée Ellie. “They push me to be the best version of myself and to advocate for my clients,” he said.

Jackson Milsapp: A Drive to Make an Impact

For Milsapp, the appeal of the legal profession lies in its balance of intellect, advocacy, and service.

“I have always been drawn to the idea of using knowledge and advocacy to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives,” he explained. “The law provides a unique opportunity to solve problems, protect rights, and ensure fairness when the stakes are incredibly high.”

Milsapp is already putting those ideals into practice. He currently serves as an associate with Perry & Young – The Injury Firm, focusing on civil litigation, and is preparing to take on an additional role as Assistant Public Defender for Florida’s 14th Judicial Circuit. By working in both civil and criminal law, he hopes to sharpen his trial skills and develop a balanced perspective as an advocate.

Looking five years down the road, Milsapp envisions himself continuing to grow with Perry & Young while stepping into greater leadership roles. “Ultimately, my goal is to be recognized not only for my work in the courtroom but also for the positive impact I have on the clients and community we serve,” he said.

When reflecting on the grind of law school and bar prep, Milsapp credits his unshakable determination, “I’ve always had a hard-nosed mentality that pushes me to stay focused on the end goal, even when the pressure is at its highest. For me, those moments were not just about passing a test but proving to myself that I had the discipline and drive to succeed.”

Milsapp is the son of Jason and Nikisha Milsapp, has a brother Nickson and sister Kennedy, along with grandparents who all mean everything to him.